Hey guys,
I just bought an old 5.2 and struck my fat foot thu the tramp when I was stepping the mast. I have a new tramp installed but I am having trouble getting it to stretch enough to get the beams flush with the hulls. Is there a trick that someone knows to get this done?
I've put on a couple of trampolines on 5.2s but I'm not sure what your problem is that you are describing.
Oh - you mean the trampoline is too tight in order to reattach the beams to the hull? First, only detatch one side of the front beam if possible. Slide the trampoline into the front beam (not yet down the sides). Reattach the front beam to the hull and snug tighten. Now slide the trampoline down the hull slots working tiny bit by tiny bit and side to side (helps to have a second or third pair of hands). It may be necessary for someone to help continuously feed the trampoline into the side slots.
If you trampoline is not bias cut (i.e. threads running at 45 degrees to the hulls and beams), installation will be difficult. I believe that the original factory configuration was a non-bias cut with the threads running at 90 degrees to the hulls and beams. A bias cut trampoline should install much easier. Another option is to put the trampoline in a drier for a minute or two to warm it up and then quickly install or install in direct sunshine to keep it warm.
This boat also has the aluminum tube runnning between the beams(knee knocker.
I have gotten it to about 1/4 inch of whrere it needs to be. I am hoping a few days of sunshine will loosen it up.
Hmmm...yeah. Mine had that too. I do remember having a hell of a time getting the hulls back on the beams but I can't remember how we did it.
I always had to put the tramp on with one beam unattached, then pull the beam out and strap it down. I also removed the knee knocker bar w/o any problems.
David